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Tornado

In the Eye of the Storm

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Tornado

By: John Nichol
Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
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About this listen

 Former Tornado Navigator John Nichol tells the incredible story of the RAF Tornado force during the First Gulf War in 1991; the excitement and the danger, the fear and the losses. It is an extraordinary account of courage and fortitude.

‘We were doing about 620 miles-per-hour, 200 feet above the desert, in total darkness. Everything was running on rails as we approached the target. Then all hell broke loose. I remember the missile being fired at us; I broke left and shouted, “Chaff!”

‘All I could see was a flame, like a very large firework, coming towards me. Then there was a huge white flash. I remember an enormous wind and then I was knocked unconscious. My last thoughts were that I was going to die.’

In 1990, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion and occupation of neighbouring Kuwait, setting in motion a chain of events that had unimaginable political, military and personal repercussions, which still reverberate around the globe today.

This is the story of the aircrew at the heart of Operation Desert Storm, almost none of whom had any prior experience of armed combat. It is the story of the Tornado’s missions, of those who did not return - and of the families who watched and waited as one of the most complex conflicts in recent history unfolded live on television. It is a story of untold fear and suffering, and astounding courage in the face of hitherto unimaginable adversity.©2021 John Nichol (P)2021 Simon & Schuster UK Military Military & War War Middle East Gulf War Thought-Provoking Natural Disaster Air Force

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All stars
Most relevant  
First class. "unputdownable" if that can be said of an Audible book. First class!

Excellent throughout.

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I really enjoyed this book. Like his other books it's mixed with high emotion and tugged at my heart strings more than once.
I had forgotten a lot about this period (even though I lived through it) and it was good to be reminded of the sacrifices made by those involved. My only regret is that I've run out of his books to listen to now!

Brought to life a recent (often buried) period

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I just finished it 12 words is not enough to say I loved every minute it, funny and sad, and so much in between, again the other casualties of was the families left behind, so good to mention the war widows, and how they have changed the stupid archaic rules for those that are left behind, I can't wait for the next book, well done Mr Nichol

Another classic read

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fantastic book, I didn't know just what this was going to be about but having read his other books I knew it would be good and it really was, the only thing is the way the narrator does the quotes annoys me a little but that's just me I think but the story is one that needs to be heard

another fantastic book by john

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loved it. very moving and glad it gave the perspectives of the families of those who went to war in the Gulf.

RAF family perspective

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My dad also was deployed during the gulf war in the RAF and was really moving to hear about the conflict from the point of view of those who served.
Felt the narrator as much as he held your attention was a bit over theatrical in parts for such a story about such men.
Listened to the whole book with it a few days so it says a lot!
Would recommend!

Great Book.

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Excellent writing. This book brought tears to my eyes but this does at the loses

Well written. Will go down as a classic RAF book

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As an ex RAF armourer serving during the period depicted in the book, I found it to be incredibly accurate and knowledgable. The accounts of the low level attacks on Iraqi airfields were mind bloggingly scary. Superbly described. You really feel you’re in the cockpit with these unbelievably brave guys.
But what I wasn’t prepared for was how moving I’d find it. Tears were rolling down my cheeks with your account of the returning POWs and for the ones who didn’t return.
All in all, if you want to understand the complexities of what makes a person able to fly and navigate an aircraft in a very hostile environment and what tole this has on you and your family, this is the book for you.
Well done John, you done us proud.
P.S speed up the narration.

A moving and in-depth account.

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I have always had a fascination with the Tornado and got this book to better understand the people who flew them and what they did. Amazing tales of the pilots, the ground crew and the wives. A gripping and emotional book.

An Amazing Story

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Very interesting content, but the narration is snail like. I had to increase to 1.3x to listen in comfort.

Very interesting, but increase playback speed

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